I adore this game, and am having a blast and greatly see the potential the game has and will have even more of down the road. Having said that, my biggest complaint with some builds right now is the Aspects and Legendary Powers.
Some of them being tied to RNG is -very- frustrating and is making for an un-fun experience. For example, the Shred Werewolf build pretty much requires the "Blurred Beast" aspect to work well. That's fine, I don't take issue with a single power being a main part of a build. I take issue with me not having any chance of finding it through the codex or any other means. The problem I'm finding myself in is that I keep finding weapon upgrades, with 400-500 more DPS than the weapon I'm currently using, except that since I can't find a "Blurred Beast" aspect to put on the weapon, it's of no use to me.
I've only found Blurred Beast one time, and I put it on the weapon I currently have, so I can't extract it again. This means I'm having to pass up on gear upgrades simply because I can't get the power I want. I have played -alot- because I've been in the middle between no-lifing and casual, and yet I can't do anything to increase my chances of finding this one particular item except hope that the Tree of Whispers gives me a weapon cache, or gambling drops it. I have seen pretty much every single legendary for the Druid drop multiple times, but Blurred Beast? once.
I would be happy with just allowing me to trade in some broken down legendary parts to get a "lowest rolled" aspect of my choosing, just so I can assemble the build to make farming easier.
I know this might seem like a rant, it isn't meant to be. I'm enjoying the game, but I feel I have put way too many hours into the game only to see it drop one time and it's a build defining power causing me to have to ignore upgrades which seems like a bad player experience imo.
Maybe I should swap builds and there are plenty of others that don't feel like they need one necessary power that's so RNG dependent, but since all I've played is Shred right now, this is my current experience with the game. Anyone have any recommendations for endgame farming on a druid that doesn't require such RNG specific aspects?

Preface: There’s really no way to look back at the Chargers’ 2022 season without starting at the end. The team blew a 27-0 lead to the Jaguars in the wild card round in what can only be described as the peak of decades of cruelty by the football gods directed at the Chargers. In a year that began with Super Bowl aspirations thanks to an extremely talented on-paper roster, and included a regular season of injury after injury after injury (Justin Herbert, Rashawn Slater, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, etc.), the finale could not have been more crushing. Criticism and ridicule has rained down on head coach Brandon Staley and offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, and the latter was promptly fired at the end of the season to the rejoicing of fans everywhere.
But now we begin, again. The Super Bowl hopes are very much alive. The roster saw very few changes in free agency as the front office and coaching staff clearly believe the failure of the 2022 season was generally not an issue with the assembled players. But there is a much higher sense of urgency this year, and it’s not an exaggeration to say the team is going “all in” on the final cheap year of Justin Herbert’s rookie deal. Contracts have been structured in a way that will force significant cuts after the 2023 season just to get the team to salary cap compliance. This year may be do-or-die for both Tom Telesco and Brandon Staley.

Free Agency Recap

Losses: G Matt Feiler, LB Drue Tranquill, EDGE Kyle Van Noy, QB Chase Daniel, CB Bryce Callahan, WR Deandre Carter, S Nasir Adderley, LB Troy Reeder, DL Breiden Fehoko, WR Michael Bandy, OT Storm Norton
Five starters on this list: Feiler, Tranquill, Callahan, Carter, and Adderley. Letting Drue Tranquill leave is by far the most controversial decision here, especially since he ended up going to the Chiefs. He played very well last year, but seems like the idea here is that he was a factor in the defense’s struggle against the run. Feiler was a disaster last season after a great 2021, and Jamaree Salyer should be an immediate upgrade. Callahan is still a free agent and a reunion is not out of the question. Van Noy was great as a fill-in when Bosa was injured, but the team wants to get younger at the position. Carter was a quiet signing who outperformed his contract and provided much needed depth but again, too old. Adderley was benched in the season finale and then retired. The rest were backups and rotational players.
Additions: LB Eric Kendricks, DL Nick Williams
That’s it, that’s the list. Eric Kendricks steps in as the starter next to Kenneth Murray who he can hopefully help mentor into being a good linebacker. And theoretically, he will be an upgrade in run defense over Drue Tranquill. Williams was signed after the draft as insurance for the injured Austin Johnson and Otito Ogbonnia. He may not make the team. The Chargers used most of the rest of their cap space re-signing free agents like Trey Pipkins, Morgan Fox, and Donald Parham. They still have about $12.5M to work with, pending the upcoming Justin Herbert mega-deal.

Draft Needs

WR: The trio of Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, and Josh Palmer is one of the best in the league. However, with their contracts, there’s really no chance Allen and Williams will be Chargers in 2024. This group also lacks a speed element.
EDGE: Similar to WR, the starting duo of Bosa and Mack is elite but they are expensive and getting older. The depth behind them is just Chris Rumph.
TE: Gerald Everett is solid but on the last year of his deal. Donald Parham has potential but can’t stay healthy. Tre’ McKitty is a blocking TE who isn’t a very good blocker.
CB: JC Jackson is an enormous question mark, both from a health and performance standpoint. Michael Davis is a free agent after 2023. Ja’Sir Taylor is penciled in as the starting slot corner after very limited playing time last year.
OL: This is the strongest starting five the Chargers have had in a decade but the depth behind them both inside and out is weak.
LB: Eric Kendricks and Kenneth Murray will start, but Murray is auditioning to be on the team next year and Kendricks is old. The depth behind them is just Nick Niemann and Amen Ogbongbemiga.
S: JT Woods was a 2022 3rd round pick but barely played in 2022. Alohi Gilman stepped up when needed, but relying on him to start is risky.
RB: Austin Ekeler requested a trade, and even though it looked very unlikely to happen, the team needs to think about life after him in 2024. Neither Josh Kelley or Isaiah Spiller have shown they can handle a full workload.
KPR: With Deandre Carter’s departure, the team has no one with real return experience.

The Draft

1.21: Quentin Johnston - WR, TCU
In hindsight, this pick should have been more obvious. The Chargers have been very strict about their size thresholds for wide receivers over the years, and despite countless debates about Johnston vs Zay Flowers vs Jordan Addison, the big guy from TCU won out. This was an immediately controversial pick among fans as many believed the speedy Flowers or the crafty Addison would be more suited to filling the biggest need in this position group: speed and separation. But while Johnston may not be your traditional deep threat, his game speed and GPS tracking data suggest a more dynamic skillset than he showed at the combine. And one area where he does beat those two guys that was probably overlooked as a need: run after catch ability. Johnston was elite at that in college, and that looks to be his primary role for the Chargers. New OC Kellen Moore will use him like he did Ceedee Lamb in Dallas. And since he will start the year at number three on the depth chart at best, he won’t be under pressure to carry the offense as a rookie while he learns from the veterans in front of him.
2.54: Tuli Tuipulotu - EDGE, USC
After WR, the Chargers’ clear next biggest need was at EDGE and Tuli was the consensus best available. The team has also shown a penchant for drafting local kids from USC and UCLA over the last few years. He was extremely productive in his final season in college where he put up 13.5 sacks playing both on the edge and the interior. In the draft process, many people questioned if he would bulk up to be a full time DT or slim down to play the EDGE. It ended up being the latter as he weighed 266lbs at the combine. Tuli will provide valuable depth behind Bosa and Mack as a rookie, while also having the opportunity to play inside on passing downs like he did in college.
3.85: Daiyan Henley - LB, Washington State
The Chargers lost two linebackers to free agency: Drue Tranquill and Troy Reeder. Tranquill was the team’s best coverage linebacker, and Reeder was key depth while also being a core special teams player. Enter Daiyan Henley, who could fill both of those roles by himself. With Kenneth Murray likely off the team in 2024, Henley has the opportunity to earn a starting job over the course of the season. He is a recent convert to the linebacker position and there is still much room for growth. At the very least, he will be an immediate special teams contributor. Staley and Telesco both raved about his prowess in that phase of the game after picking him.
*4.125: Derius Davis - WR, TCU *
Another TCU receiver! This pick was definitely a surprise, as many people projected him to be a late day 3 pick. But the Chargers coaching staff said after the draft that they believed he was the best return man available, and that they wanted to draft a starter in the 4th round. Davis was indeed one of the best returners in the country at TCU, and also can add some juice on offense even if he ends up limited to a gadget role. Either way, here’s some killer speed for the Chargers offense.
5.156: Jordan McFadden - OL, Clemson
In the last few drafts, the Chargers have shown a lot of love for late round tackle-to-guard converts. Jamaree Salyer was the steal of the 2022 draft in the sixth round. McFadden played both tackle and guard in college on both sides of the line, and some scouts believe he may even be able to play some center. For the Chargers he will compete with Brenden Jaimes for the swing guard role, and maybe even push Foster Sarrell to be the swing tackle. Key depth for a position group that needed it.
6.200: Scott Matlock - DL, Boise State
Matlock is a solid run defender with some pass rush upside who will get to learn behind a strong trio of veteran starters. And with Austin Johnson and Otito Ogbonnia both rehabbing major knee injuries, he may end up seeing some decent playing time this season. I’m very intrigued by his upside, and Staley has a good track record of getting good play from late round DTs.
7.239: Max Duggan - QB, TCU
The Los Angeles Horned Frogs are ready to take the NFL by storm in 2023 (hopefully to face the Philadelphia Bulldogs in a championship rematch). The Chargers historically have carried three QBs on the active roster, and with only two signed going into the draft, it seemed like a strong possibility they would pick one. So here’s Max Duggan, who despite leading TCU to the Natty was generally not loved by scouts. He has a ton of athletic ability but the finer points of playing QB need to be worked on. There is absolutely potential to be a long term backup to Justin Herbert though, if he can beat out Easton Stick.
Notable UDFAs
Jerrod Clark - DL, Coastal Carolina: Most people expected Clark to be drafted, and the Chargers gave him a lot of money for a UDFA. I would not be surprised at all to see him make the roster as an additional run defender.
Cam Jones - CB, Ohio State: Another guy who could have been drafted, there are depth spots at corner up for grabs and Jones is an intriguing option.
Tiawan Mullen - CB, Indiana: Mullen used to have a pretty high draft stock but fell hard in the process. The Chargers are thin at slot corner and he could earn a role.
Mikel Jones - LB, Syracuse: There’s a wide open competition for ILB5 that will most likely be decided by special teams.

Roster Prediction

QB (3): Justin Herbert, Easton Stick, Max Duggan
RB (5): Austin Ekeler, Joshua Kelley, Isaiah Spiller, Larry Rountree, Zander Horvath
WR (5): Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Josh Palmer, Quentin Johnston, Derius Davis
TE (4): Gerald Everett, Donald Parham, Tre’ McKitty, Stone Smartt
OT (3): Rashawn Slater, Trey Pipkins, Foster Sarrell
OG (4): Zion Johnson, Jamaree Salyer, Brenden Jaimes, Jordan McFadden
C (2): Corey Linsley, Will Clapp
EDGE (4): Joey Bosa, Khalil Mack, Tuli Tuipulotu, Chris Rumph
IDL (6): Sebastian Joseph-Day, Austin Johnson, Morgan Fox, Otito Ogbonnia, Scott Matlock, Jerrod Clark
LB (5): Kenneth Murray, Eric Kendricks, Daiyan Henley, Nick Niemann, Amen Ogbongbemiga
CB (5): Michael Davis, Asante Samuel Jr., JC Jackson, Ja’Sir Taylor, Deane Leonard
S (4): Derwin James, Alohi Gilman, JT Woods, Mark Webb
K (1): Cameron Dicker
P (1): JK Scott
LS (1): Josh Harris

Conclusion

Super Bowl or bust.

Sorry for this being so long - I'm an anxious person and I have way too much going on in my head, lol. BTW this is a random username and I'm going to keep things pretty vague, I don't want people to know it's me.
I currently work in government in a STEM field, where I am at the senior level and make good money. Benefits are spectacular, I'm represented by a union, and overall I love my job - I have an incredible supervisor who supports me, great team, and receive OT. The only thing I don't like about my current workplace is the upper management - they're kind people, but they make bad decisions and us employees are always basically crawling through mud to reach the finish line for everything.
The problem is I don't like where I live. I have no family here, neither does my partner (btw, my partner is fully remote and can live anywhere.) I've lived here for a really long time and feel ready for a change. I have a lot of friends and some extended family in Southern CA so I decided why not look and see what's out there. I got a job offer, and this company seems really great - benefits are good and the glassdoor ratings are off the charts. However, the pay cut would be about $30k considering the state I currently live in does not have a state income tax. Also, the job itself - I know I would be good at it because I already do it as part of my current job, but I ultimately want to shift my career in a different direction (still slightly related, it would be a shift towards health and safety) and I would not have the opportunity to do that here. In my current work place, my supervisor has me doing more safety-related things to boost my resume and get me closer to my goals of certification.
I'm struggling because I really want to move, but at the same time I'm worried about a few things:
-Potential recession/layoffs. Private industry worries me because there could be a chance of layoffs if a recession hit...but I also don't know if that would happen, I'm just speculating. There is no way I would be laid off from my current position if a recession occurred.
-Paycut: I don't have kids, but I do have some debt and I would like to be able to continue paying that off + putting money into savings. I know I'd need to budget better, which is 100% fine. I'm more thinking about what kind of setback taking a cut in pay would have on future opportunities down the road.
Am I being crazy?

REPOST: REDUCED PRICES
PC Timestamp
Samsung Odyssey G8 timestamp
BNOP 980 Pro timestamp
Nintendo Switch timestamp
Hello all, looking at selling or trading my custom loop pc, nothing wrong with it, I'm just looking at buying a new truck soon so the extra cash would be nice. Local is 91923, Imperial Beach, CA
Cpu has the ThermalRight CPU contact frame, all EKWB water blocks on the CPU, GPU, and RAM, using Quantum Torque fittings (10/13), not sure of the manufacturer (possible alphacool) of the radiator but it is 480mmx45mm, pump is a SwiftTech MCP35X pump with a large heatsink and Thermal Grizzly thermal pads and mounted to a T30 fan using an EK pump mount. EKWB FLT360 Flat Res mounted using the EKWB angle kit, with EK Cryofuel blood red as coolant. Has 5 Phanteks T30 120mm fans as intake (4 on front radiator, 1 on bottom with pump mounted) and 3 Noctua NF-A14 iPPC-3000 as exhaust. GPU is vertically mounted using the Phanteks Gen 4 90 degree riser. PSU cables are all Cablemod custom sleeved cables. I used Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut Extreme Paste on CPU and GPU die and Thermal Grizzly Minus Pads 8 on RAM and GPU. Never had a custom OC on the CPU, just PBO with small limits and negative CO offset. GPU had a basic OC of 2800MHz max on the core, 1750MHz on the memory and power limit to +15% and RAM was only ran at EXPO speeds and timings. Comes with (1) 1tb 970 Evo Plus (42.8tb written), (1) 2tb 970 Evo Plus (6.1tb written), and (1) 980 2tb Pro (1.9tb written). There is a small scratch on the OLED screen that isn't really visible but its there, happened when installing the CPU waterblock and I accidentally hit the screen. Other than the that and the usual dust, there isn't any other damage in or on the pc. The PC build itself is fairly new, the case, 1tb SSD, PSU, radiator, and waterpump are all about a year old now. Will come with the case accessory kit and PSU cables
PC Specs are
CPU: Ryzen 9 7950x cooled by EKWB Velocity2
GPU: Radeon 7950 XTX Red Devil Limited Edition Number 2397/3000 cooled by EKWB Quantum Vector2
RAM: G.Skill Trident Z5 Neo 32gb DDR5 6000 CL30
Motherboard: Asus ROG X670E Extreme
Case: Phanteks Enthoo 719
PSU: Phanteks Revolt X 1200w
All together, I spent about $5.5K, I'm asking $4K or best offer. I would like to keep this local as it is a huge pc case and very heavy. SSDs will obviously be wiped before selling. It is still my daily gaming device so it will still see use until selling. Designed the watercooling loop to make maintenence super simple, simply attach a tube to the drain port and open the valve and fill port, will drain almost all the fluid except for the radiator. **WAS 4.5K, ASKING 4K
Samsung Odyssey G8: this is the 4k 240hz version, this monitor does not have scanlines issue, operates beautifully at 4k 240hz, no dead pixels ,comes with original stand, selling to downsize. Was purchased in December on a deal, paid $1.2k, asking $900 or best offer. Would like to keep this local as well.
Samsung 980 Pro 2tb: got this and one other SSD when prices took the dive, bought 2 to add into the last 2 remaining slots on the motherboard of my current system but realized before i installed it that the last slot would cause my gpu to run at 8x instead of 16x so i never did install it. Box is open but the SSD was never installed. Paid $163 after taxes, asking $130 local or $140 shipped; WAS 140, ASKING 130
Nintendo Switch OLED: Purchased this about 3 months ago for a deployment, took it but didnt use it much as i didnt have the time i thought i would have had, storage will be wiped before selling. Comes with the original box, dock, joycons, 512 gb SD card, tempered glass screen protector, and white carry case. Everything came out to about $450, asking $375 local, $400 shipped. WAS 400, ASKING 375
All prices are based depending on recently sold items, but feel free to throw me an offer

I just want to say that I'm not interested in hearing about the mediocre "benefits" coming from these medical mal-practitioners mouths, I already know that circumcision is a fraud. Also, babies aren't born religious or culturally aware.
I hate being a circumcised man because a natural and healthy part of me was cut off and I couldn't consent. Like, WTF? What's wrong with people? Genital Mutilation shouldn't be a parental choice, it's torture! I was circumcised after birth in the hospital (do no harm my butt). How would some moron at the AAP know whether or not I'd appreciate being circumcised later in life? Is keeping my foreskin too much too ask for now? God forbid I have a choice in the matter! I don't want to be American branded, I want to resemble God! I believe in intelligent design and I wouldn't consent if I had the choice.
Thanks America! You protected me from getting a tattoo, but not genital cutting! Can't wait to sign up for the Selective Service!

I hate being a circumcised man because a natural and healthy part of me was cut off and I couldn't consent. Like, WTF? What's wrong with people? Genital Mutilation shouldn't be a parental choice, it's torture! I was circumcised after birth in the hospital (do no harm my butt). How would some moron at the AAP know whether or not I'd appreciate being circumcised later in life? Is keeping my foreskin too much too ask for now? God forbid I have a choice in the matter! I don't want to be American branded, I want to resemble God! I believe in intelligent design and I wouldn't consent if I had the choice.
Thanks America! You protected me from getting a tattoo, but not genital cutting! Can't wait to sign up for the Selective Service!

Playing through the Xbox app, which I think might be the problem.
Audio cutting out. Cutscene freezing and audio keeps playing. Game just straight up freezing and forcing me to restart my computer, etc. I meet all the basic requirements and am running the game and lowest possible settings everywhere. Still no dice. Is this a common issue? I have had issues with games on the Xbox app before, so should I just try running it on steam?

If you take the time to read this thank you!
Yes I did play Pokémon throughout the years but never ended up keeping any of my older games. Now Legends Arceus was my first game back and now Violet is my first main series game back. The only Legendaries I have are from PoGo. So, I need help transferring legendaries into Violet since the only ones I have are from Pokémon Go. If anyone wants to help I can get a full list of the ones I want to transfer. But essentially what I’m asking is if anyone has spare legendary Pokémon (from a pain series game) they can trade me so I can transfer them into Violet and then back out and I can send them right back to you. I would/could trade you the exact Pokémon for insurance purposes. I would try my best to compensate anyone for their time. Thanks!

DRAG RACE!
Rachelle Mirage struts the runway wearing a pantsuit in orange and red.
“Hello world!”
“Welcome to Drag Race.”
Rachelle smiles.
“Ms Michaels, how you doing?”
“I’m fabulous baby.” Floss grins. “How YOU doing?”
“Amazing. Let’s kick out Chronologica!” Rachelle cackles.
Floss winks.
“Tanvi Lioness, are you ready to see these comedians shine?”
“It’s time for them to exit the house.” Tanvi smirks.
“For our Challenge, our racers were tasked with competing in the BIG MOTHER improv challenge!”
“And on the runway, they’ll be wearing Red Velvet looks.”
“It’s TIME!”
~
“Category is… Red Velvet!”
Crayola Boxx struts out in a red ball gown, uttering the shape of a cake. She’s got a big, swirly skirt, and she spins around and around, with little bits of ‘frosting’ spurting out of the stage. She’s got a big red updo and a smile on her face.
“Not the spurting.” Floss looks around awkwardly.
“It reminds me of what you used to-” Rachelle stops after looking at Floss’ rageful face.
Aguacate struts out in a full ball gown, with multiple layers of luscious red velvet cake. She twirls down the runway, revealing a big slice has been taken right out of her backside, exposing the real cake, which is completely bare. Aguacate takes a lick of her delicious frosting, and licks her fingers clean!
“Oh… Aguacate did it so much better than Crayola.” Tanvi whispers to Rachelle.
Wearing a surprisingly high-fashion number, Jaslene Bangus walks down the runway. Her hair is dark and slicked back into a high pony. The outfit itself, however, is a two-piece suit made entirely out of red velvet. The collar and front of the suit jacket is made to resemble the red curtains of a theater. As she walks, her face showcases class and poise.
“Thank God it’s not another cake look.” Rachelle says.
Zazu Nova arrives in a Lightning Mcqueen inspired form-fitting red velvet catsuit, hugging the her curves, with black accents in the form of lightning bolts paying homage to Lightning McQueen's design, and red velvet jacket with racing patches adding an edgy and rebellious vibe to the look as she struts with a smile.
“Vroom Vroom.” Floss smiles.
Granny Gorgeous enters the stage in a red velvet cape, a huge one that covers her entire body and makes her frame not so visible. With a long red wig, Granny is serving caftan velvet realness with a smirk.
“Oh, she’s giving Granny.” Tanvi smirks.
Fiore Stravaganza shines in a sleek velvet dress that hugs her body tight. She’s got a massive red headdress, made of the same red velvet material, replacing a wig like Fiore would normally rock. Her face is expressively painted, and Fiore looks like a star.
“Gorgeous.” Rachelle smiles.
Yasmin Raiz oozes sex appeal, strutting the runway in a deep red velvet bodycon dress that hangs low off her shoulders, with a little cream flower pin on her bosom. She wears sheer cream nylon gloves with a small ruffled bow at the wrist, a perfectly coiffed cream-blonde wig, small deep red glasses with flower-shaped frames, and carries a cream fur coat, as if she doesn’t even need the reveal.
“Delicious.” Floss winks.
King Omari Star stuns as he enters the stage in a red velvet kilt, with an asymmetrical shirt that has a matching long, flowy cape along with it. He’s got a massive pair of red platform boots, and as he walks, he gives every inch of royalty with a smirk.
“He loves a cape.” Rachelle chuckles.
~
“Hi Racers.” Rachelle purses her lips. “Nobody is safe.”
“First up… Yasmin.”
Yasmin smiles.
“You really have a soulful vibe, and I enjoy it.” Tanvi nods. “You hit the marks comedically, you enjoyed yourself and I was really quite pleased to see it.”
“Thank you!” Yasmin grins.
“It was a real fun time, and I do think you really were one of the highlights to see. Solid work, girl.” Rachelle smiles, “You have been consistent these past couple of weeks, and you only leave me wanting a little bit more, and I must say that I do think this look is a good switch for you. Keep up the good work.”
Yasmin bows.
“Fiore.”
Fiore smiles.
“You look gorgeous.” Racehelle grins. “Like, wow.”
Fiore flicks back her invisible hair and smirks.
“In this challenge, I did wish I got to see MORE from you in the challenge, though. It feels as if something is keeping you from fully going out like you did in, let’s say, the Snatch Game..”
Fiore nods.
“Just need- more engagement. I feel as if you’re hardening up, going back into that inner shell, when I want you to let us see even more of you. Pretty will only get you so far, Fiore.”
“I can assure you, this is me.” Fiore looks at Rachelle.
“Well…” Rachelle nods.
“Moving on, Jaslene.”
Jaslene looks at the judges.
“YAS! Girl, this look is great.” Floss smiles. “I damn love it.”
“Thank you.” Jaslene nods.
“I feel you have been middle of the road for a few weeks. But this week, I saw the effort baby. But it is not quite enough. I’m going to need you to keep driving- because at this point, I feel as if you’re lagging behind.”
“Noted.” Jaslene says.
“Zazu.”
“Hii…” Zazu says awkwardly.
“I think we know.” Rachelle says.
“Yes.” Zazu responds.
“This wasn’t quite the best performance. Well, you stumbled. I wanted to see you do well, but unfortunately- it wasn’t quite enough, and I’m going to need you to fight for this.”
“I do want to do this.” Zazu purses her lips. “For me, I feel challenged here. But I will always take every single critique and fight for the crown.”
“That is what I need.” Rachelle looks at Zazu. “Keep it going.”
Zazu nods in agreement.
“Omari.”
Omari adjusts his cape.
“You have a royal presence to you.” Tanvi says.
“King Omari Star.” Omari smirks. “Is my full name.”
“I can see it.” Tanvi responds. “I think you had a good balance of funny and real. I enjoyed you this week.”
Omari smiles.
“I wanted you to push yourself out of your comfort zone this week, and you did. And for that I have to commend you” Rachelle responds. “Well done.”
“Thank you.” Omari grins.
Granny.
“Hello.” Granny says.
“I am loving this look.” Rachelle looks at Granny. “It’s giving- a bit generic, but also- I do feel like you’re reinforcing that idea said a few weeks ago- I am seeing a lack of brand.”
“Okay…” Granny smiles, ever the pleaser.
“I want you to get dirty this week, but you did not.” Rachelle says. “And I'm going to need you to further think on what your drag is- what you bring. Because again- at this point, that’s really important.”
“I understand.” Granny smiles.
“Aguacate.”
“¡Hola!” Aguacate winks.
“You’re pure chaos!”
“AHHHHH!” Aguacate screams.
Tanvi giggles.
“That is what I liked.” Tanvi says. “Well and truly, you stole the show.”
“Thank you.” Aguacate smirks.
“I feel like unlike others, you do know who you are. My advice? Keep doing you.”
“I will.” Aguacate adds. “I can tell you that.”
“Finally, Crayola.”
“Hello dear.” Crayola smiles.
“You weren’t funny, baby.” Floss frowns.
“Oh.” Crayola looks surprised.
“As in- you know, I was expecting haha. But I got- oh, nah.” Floss laughs. “Like, damn, there was nothing fun- and I wanted to see you make me laugh!”
Crayola nods.
“For me, it came off- just like you were trying too hard, it wasn’t the smooth sailing we were looking for. And it just wasn't a very clever delivery, or very funny either. It was a shame.” Rachelle adds. “…And this gown doesn’t do you any favors- it looks frumpy.”
“I apologize.” Crayola responds.
“Racers, before we deliberate… I have a question to ask.”
Everyone looks at each other.
“Who should go home tonight and why? Starting with… Crayola.”
“I think this week I disappointed.” Crayola frowns. “And I do really enjoy this, but I am not delivering, and I will be truthful with that. I wasn’t the best, and I’m sorry.” Crayola says.
The others look surprised.
“Okay.”
“Zazu.” Aguacate says. “Ms Boxx at least has two wins. This is what, her… 4th time in the bottom 3?” Aguacate laughs.
Zazu frowns.
“I do agree, Zazu.” Granny sighs. “Sadly, at this point, she is not delivering as consistently as the others.”
“For me, Crayola.” Omari says. “I see a fighter in Zazu. I do not see that in Crayola, as… clearly, neither does she.”
Aguacate giggles.
“I think, Crayola.” Zazu nods. “I’m sorry, but I will not say myself- I can never...”
Rachelle nods.
“For me, Crayola.” Jaslene responds. “At this point, she is not showcasing herself at her best.”
“Now, Zazu is clearly at the bottom.” Fiore purses her lips. “But if I’m being honest, at this point, Jaslene isn’t delivering anything new either, I don’t think.” Fiore nods. “Like you have said she has been, for a lack of a better term… flat-lining these past several episodes.”
Jaslene looks surprised, as well as Rachelle.
Jaslene Bangus: “What the fuck?”
“Let her fight for the bottom.” Fiore shrugs.
Jaslene rolls her eyes.
“I do agree with Zazu.” Yasmin nods. “Unfortunately.”
“Thank you, racers. Whilst we deliberate, you may untuck backstage in the Crystal Lounge, sponsored by Princess Papaya Tropical Drinks.”
~
The racers enter the platinum lounge.
Jaslene stomps in, grabbing a drink before turning to face Fiore.
“What the fuck?” Jaslene says.
Fiore raises an eyebrow. "What's the matter, Jaslene? Did I say something wrong?"
Jaslene clenches her fists, clearly pissed. "You think it's okay to throw me under the bus like that? Saying I should fight for the bottom? What the hell girl? I thought you were my sister?”
Fiore smirks, taking a sip of her drink. “Please, Jaslene. I was just stating m ytruth, what I have been seeing these past few weeks- If you can't handle a little critique, maybe you're not cut out for this competition. I feel as if you haven’t been delivering, and to me, you’re dead weight, right now."
Fiore Stravaganza: “Real talk, I said her name because simply put, at this point, I feel the AE girls have been holding me back. I need my brand focused on me.”
Jaslene's trembles. "You have no right to judge me, Fiore. You act like you're better than all of us, but you're just a mean-spirited queen hiding behind a pretty face."
“Darling, you came up with the name PRETTY GIRLS, I’m not just pretty, I’m gorgeous.” Fiore growls. “I was just being honest.”
“Honest?!” Jaselene rolls her eyes. “You’re acting nasty.”
Fiore's eyes narrow, her composure slipping for a moment. "Watch your words, Jaslene. I may be straightforward, but at least I'm not deluding myself like some queens here. I speak the truth, and if you can't handle it, that's your problem. Now go fix your hair."
Jaslene looks as if she is ready to scream, as Omari raises his hand in between them. “Let’s not.”
“I just..” Jaslene rolls her eyes. “Whatever.” Jaslene walks off.
“Beef.” Aguacate giggles.
“...Can I ask, what is going on Fiore?” Omari asks. “Like, there’s this switch..”
“There’s no switch.” Fiore responds quickly, looking at Omari. “I’ve always been competitive here, and clearly you haven’t been paying attention.”
Omari rolls his eyes. “Alright.”
“How is everyone else?” Granny asks.
“I am disappointed to be in the bottom again, but girl- I love to perform.” Zazu puts in an earphone. “So, I'm going to give my all.”
Zazu Nova: “A stage is where I shine. That- I am not scared of.” Zazu grins.
“For me, it’s-” Crayola sighs.
Crayola pauses, and looks down. "I don't know, guys. I'm just... I'm really struggling right now. I feel like I'm not good enough, like I don't belong here. And seeing myself disappoint week after week, it's really taking a toll on me."
“You won last week, girl.” Fiore adds.
Yasmin puts a hand on Crayola’s shoulder. "Hey, hey, none of that talk, okay? You are talented, Crayola, and you absolutely belong here. We all have our off weeks, but that doesn't define who we are as queens. You have so much more to offer, and I believe in you."
“I just wish you didn’t say your own name.” Omari says.
King Omari Star: “I would never say my own name. I will always fight. And Crayola… it is a strange response.”
Crayola looks up at Yasmin, tearing up. "Thank you, Yasmin. I'm just scared of going home, you know? I don't want to let myself down or let anyone else down."
Yasmin pulls Crayola into a warm hug. "I understand that fear, but remember, this is just a moment in our journey. It doesn't define our worth or our future. We've come so far, and we're all here to support each other. You are loved and valued, Crayola."
Granny smiles. “We're a family here, and we lift each other up. Don't let negative thoughts bring you down. Embrace your uniqueness and shine."
Granny Gorgeous: “I feel the same, though. This is… scary.”
Aguacate chimes in with a grin. "Exactly, mija! We all have our strengths and weaknesses, but together, we make this competition fierce. Keep your head high and remember why you're here."
“Vroom vroom.” Zazu winks.
Jaslene looks in the mirror, combing her hair before sitting next to Omari.
Jaslene Bangus: “Well, I guess that’s over.”
Fiore and Jaslene look at each other for a second.
Jaslene Bangus: “Full steam ahead.”
~
“Welcome back, racers. We’ve made some decisions.”
…
“Fiore, Jaslene, you’re safe.”
The two look at each other before walking separate sides of the stage.
“Omari. Yasmin. Great work. You’re safe.”
The two grin.
“Aguacate, this week you made us CACKLE. Condragulations, you are the winner of this week’s challenge.”
Aguacate jumps for joy. “WOOHOO”
Aguacate: “Another one.” Aguacate winks. “I I think I’m a frontrunner.”
…
…
“Granny, you’re safe.”
Granny bows.
“That means Zazu Nova and Crayola Boxx, I’m sorry my dears, but you are up for elimination.”
“The time has come… for you to lip sync to your life!”
**Conga by Gloria Estefan starts to play**
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54ItEmCnP80
“Good luck… and don’t fuck it up!”
Zazu Nova: “I know this is my fourth time, but lip syncing is what I do. I’m never going down without a FIGHT!”
Crayola Boxx: “I’m giving my heart. That’s all I can do.”
~
Next Time!
Racers, it’s time to makeover your loved ones!
“My WIFE!” Omari yells, tearing up.
“Woah.” Aguacate stares awkwardly.
“I’m going to shit on these bitches.” Jaslene smirks.
“Oh, another bodysuit?” Fiore looks at Jaslene.
Fiore Stravaganza: “This is MY moment.”
~
Stats
Voting
Spreadsheet

I just want to say that I'm not interested in hearing about the mediocre "benefits" coming from these medical mal-practitioners mouths, I already know that circumcision is a fraud. Also, babies aren't born religious or culturally aware.
I hate being a circumcised man because a natural and healthy part of me was cut off and I couldn't consent. Like, WTF? What's wrong with people? Genital Mutilation shouldn't be a parental choice, it's torture! I was circumcised after birth in the hospital (do no harm my butt). How would some moron at the AAP know whether or not I'd appreciate being circumcised later in life? Is keeping my foreskin too much too ask for now? God forbid I have a choice in the matter! I don't want to be American branded, I want to resemble God! I believe in intelligent design and I wouldn't consent if I had the choice.
Thanks America! You protected me from getting a tattoo, but not genital cutting! Can't wait to sign up for the Selective Service!

The dog is in a kinda bad state the cage has no walls so he gets wet every night he is chained to the cage both outside the ear has a long gash at the tip and its badly infected and the dog is constantly scratching his ear and crying every night.
If I say give me the dog I will take care of it, his petty wife uneducated person btw real cursing low life vagabond type of woman who wanted to kill the dog when it was a puppy, will accuse me of trying to take away her kids "pet" and ask me why I don't get my own dog.
If I call the authority and they get charged she will almost certainly come to my place of work and make a scene or try to get me fired etc it will be a LOT of problems that I am not willing to go through.
I went in the back yard to pee about 10 PM and heard something crying was hard to see their house is 100 feet away walked up to the dog saw him with his feet scratching his ears smell was bad he has not gotten a bath in months. They have a can of the purple spray for preventing worms in the cut so I spray it in the wound but the dog keeps rubbing his ears in the dirt cause it's itching and making it worse.
It's a shed he make with pallet wood and it has nails poking out and when the dog shakes his head due to ears scratching it gets gashed on the nails. When I tell them take the dog to the vet, build a better cage his response is that dog is a pot hound it doesn't need anything.
I threatened to report them to the authority but that caused more bacchanal
I usually go every night to give him some food and pet him when they are not looking cause he is also always hungry lack of food. He is such a good doggo, but I have made the decision to no longer go to see him and told my mother don't give me any food to give him again I can't bear to see him suffer like that, all I can do now is hope he dies so he will be put out of his misery.
To sleep at night I tell myself all over the world dogs are in worse conditions, millions of them in China dog farms, fur farms, mexican underground dog fighting rings etc.
I guess such is life and this is what it is.

Cardinals (25-35) @ Rangers (38-20)

First Pitch: 7:05 PM at Globe Life Field

Team	Starter	TV	Radio
Cardinals	Adam Wainwright (2-1, 6.15 ERA)	BSMW	KMOX
Rangers	Martin Perez (6-1, 4.43 ERA)	BSSW	105.3, KFLC (ES)

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Game Preview
Reddit Stream for this post

Line Score - Game Over

	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	R	H	E	LOB
STL	0	1	0	0	0	0	0	2	0	3	6	0	4
TEX	0	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	1	4	11	1	10

Box Score

TEX		AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	BA
2B	Semien	4	1	2	1	1	0	.306
SS	Seager	5	0	2	0	0	1	.351
1B	Lowe, N	5	0	2	1	0	1	.283
RF	García, Ad	4	0	1	0	0	2	.260
3B	Jung	4	0	1	0	0	0	.293
C	Heim	4	1	1	0	0	0	.293
DH	Garver	3	1	1	0	1	2	.313
LF	Duran, E	3	1	1	1	1	1	.307
CF	Taveras	4	0	0	1	0	1	.298

TEX	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	P-S	ERA
Pérez, M	7.0	3	1	0	1	5	88-59	3.97
Anderson, G	1.0	3	2	2	1	0	17-10	3.86
Smith, W	1.0	0	0	0	1	1	19-12	3.00

STL		AB	R	H	RBI	BB	SO	BA
CF	Edman	4	0	1	0	0	1	.259
1B	Goldschmidt	3	0	0	1	0	1	.292
3B	Arenado	4	0	1	1	0	0	.263
C	Contreras, Wn	4	1	0	0	0	0	.211
DH	Baker	4	0	1	0	0	3	.375
SS	DeJong	3	0	2	1	1	1	.250
LF	Donovan	3	0	0	0	1	0	.241
RF	Walker	2	1	0	0	1	0	.253
LF	Mercado	2	0	0	0	0	0	.310
2B	Gorman	1	1	1	0	0	0	.274

STL	IP	H	R	ER	BB	SO	P-S	ERA
Wainwright	5.1	8	3	3	2	3	106-64	5.97
Pallante	1.1	1	0	0	0	3	19-14	4.50
VerHagen	0.1	0	0	0	0	0	1-1	4.33
Helsley	1.0	0	0	0	0	2	13-8	3.38
Cabrera, G	0.1	2	1	1	1	0	15-6	4.70

Scoring Plays

Inning	Event	Score
T2	Paul DeJong singles on a line drive to left fielder Ezequiel Duran. Willson Contreras scores.	0-1
B2	Ezequiel Duran doubles (9) on a line drive to left fielder Oscar Mercado. Jonah Heim scores. Mitch Garver to 3rd.	1-1
B2	Leody Taveras grounds out, shortstop Paul DeJong to first baseman Paul Goldschmidt. Mitch Garver scores. Ezequiel Duran to 3rd.	2-1
B2	Marcus Semien singles on a ground ball to left fielder Oscar Mercado. Ezequiel Duran scores.	3-1
T8	Paul Goldschmidt out on a sacrifice fly to left fielder Ezequiel Duran. Jordan Walker scores.	3-2
T8	Nolan Arenado doubles (8) on a fly ball to left fielder Ezequiel Duran. Nolan Gorman scores. Tommy Edman out at home on the throw, left fielder Ezequiel Duran to third baseman Josh Jung to catcher Jonah Heim. Nolan Arenado to 3rd.	3-3
B9	Nathaniel Lowe singles on a ground ball to left fielder Brendan Donovan. Marcus Semien scores. Corey Seager to 2nd.	4-3

Highlights

Description	Length	Video
Bullpen availability for St. Louis, June 5 vs Rangers	0:07	Video
Bullpen availability for Texas, June 5 vs Cardinals	0:07	Video
Starting lineups for Cardinals at Rangers - June 5, 2023	0:09	Video
Breaking down Adam Wainwright's pitches	0:08	Video
Adam Wainwright's outing against the Rangers	0:23	Video
Martín Pérez's outing against the Cardinals	0:23	Video
Breaking down Martín Pérez's pitches	0:08	Video
Paul DeJong hits an RBI single to left field	0:17	Video
Ezequiel Duran doubles on a line drive	0:18	Video
Leody Taveras' fielder's choice	0:18	Video
Marcus Semien hits an RBI single to left field	0:14	Video
Jacob deGrom moved to 60-day IL	0:31	Video
Paul Goldschmidt plates Ezequiel Duran with a sac fly	0:18	Video
Nolan Arenado's RBI double	0:51	Video
Adam Wainwright strikes out three vs. Rangers	0:57	Video
Pérez Strikes Out Five	1:29	Video

Decisions

Winning Pitcher	Losing Pitcher	Save
Smith, W (1-2, 3.00 ERA)	Cabrera, G (1-1, 4.70 ERA)

Game ended at 9:44 PM.
Remember to sort by new to keep up!

Black Phoenix Alchemy Lab is undoubtedly a powerhouse, if not the powerhouse of the indie perfume world. Who else (like me) came to indie perfume at least in part from the hat-tip to BPAL in the acknowledgements of Erin Morgenstern's The Night Circus? I actually still have never ordered from BPAL directly, but I have amassed a fair few samples and decants thanks to Ajevie, Arae, and swaps. And it's always fun to read through the names and notes of each new collection release!
My general thoughts about BPAL are these: they clearly know what they're doing and have an enormous library of notes for them to draw upon. Sometimes new releases feel very much like they just sort of reached into a dark cupboard and combined whatever bottles they happened to grab (particularly the Ménages à Trois), and yet sometimes the unexpected combinations are genius. (Sometimes they are very much not.) BPAL's perfumes tend to work okay for me, but they're not one of my top houses (that list is made up of Nui Cobalt, Poesie, Arcana, and NAVA), although a few BPAL scents have turned out to be holy grails for me (Drow Yoga Instructor, Mouse's Long and Sad Tale). Oddly enough, their florals often tend not to work well on my skin, which is hugely disappointing especially since I deliberately sought out a lot of their ethereal-sounding florals and then a lot of them failed for me. However, their sandalwood incense is astounding, and I love their sweet pea, plum, and pink sandalwood notes.
My preferences: I especially love snuggly scents, incense, golden amber, cardamom, black tea, beeswax, non-gourmand vanillas, and white florals (though sadly I am allergic to lilies and jasmine doesn’t usually work on me). I don't like hay, overly sweet gourmands, excessive musk, leather, dragon’s blood, patchouli, labdanum, or any really dark scents in general.
So here are 27 reviews, organized roughly by category:

Ambers

And With My Spade I Delfe My Landys [Snow-capped golden amber with snowdrop, winter gardenia, hellebore, and iris] - First off, I'm a scholar of Renaissance music, with a real fondness for medieval Books of Hours. Second, I get obsessed with snowdrops in the late winter when the cottagecore-y, hobbit-y, linen-enthusiast circles of Instagram that I haunt fill with photos of snowdrops in February. So how could I pass this one up? I get golden amber and floral as anticipated, and also (just on application, then it recedes) a very resinous, citrusy, herbal scent that I can't quite place - rosemary? Pine? Some combination of the two? It's also a bit powdery (iris has a tendency to pull powdery on me, and as a lover of powdery florals that's just fine with me). And With My Spade is so very reminiscent of those first tentative flowers pushing up through whatever snow still lays on the ground and it's absolutely bonkers wonderful for that transitional season between winter and spring, which is of course what I bought it for.
Bastet [Luxuriant amber, warm Egyptian musk, fierce saffron and soft myrrh, almond, cardamom and golden lotus] - On application, that golden amber reads as powdery honey. As it dries, a sophisticated Egyptian musk and a hint of lotus floral emerge. This perfume is not really gourmand despite the notes. I wish the incense or spices had more presence. As it is, this perfume is nice but it feels a little thin.
Cathedral [Venerable and solemn: the scent of incense smoke wafting through an ancient church. A true ecclesiastical blend of pure resins] - Ohhh, it's pretty. Golden and resinous with only the slightest hint of smokiness. These resins feel closer to tree sap than a dark or spiced incense, so while it's not like any church I've ever experienced, Cathedral is gorgeous and uplifting. I got one scant wear out of my sniffie and would definitely consider getting another sample.
Golden Priapus [A truly carnal, energetic men’s blend: vanilla and amber with juniper, rosewood and white pine] - My experience with this was so puzzling that I went to look up reviews on the BPAL forum, which only puzzled me further! On me, Golden Priapus is an extremely resinous, rosewood-y and tree sap-y golden amber not altogether dissimilar to Hexennacht Baltic Amber [Thick rivulets of golden amber, pinus succinifera, cedarwood, jammy fir absolute, oakmoss absolute, tree moss, verdant musk, cardamom, balsam, lightning-scorched ancient boughs] but with more tree resin and less verdant evergreen. "Carnal" and "energetic" it is not - so off to the forum, where I consistently saw reviews calling this "masculine" and even "a more masculine Snake Oil". I've sniffed Snake Oil (just in the vial, not on my skin) and it had a very red musk + spices vibe, and I don't really see a similarity to Golden Priapus. Nor would I call this "masculine" unless you're the sort who views resinous, sappy golden amber as a more stereotypically men's scent.
The Sun Rising [Three shades of tawny amber radiating with orange blossom, Italian yellow bergamot, saffron, and mandarin] - Golden amber and citrus, with a lot of the saffron. I tested what little was left in the free sniffie in late August, and it was absolutely perfect for the heat of late summer, though I don't think I'll bother buying more because the citrus overpowers the amber a bit (especially the prominent bergamot, not my favorite note).
My Wise Beauty [A simple scent for a quiet memory: white sandalwood and sweet amber] - Resinous golden amber and creamy sandalwood…and vanilla frosting? The "sweet" part of "sweet amber" isn't just flowery adjective but actual description. My Wise Beauty is simple and straightforward but really pretty, wrapping me in a blanket of coziness. The sugary frosting aspect will keep me from seeking out more when this little decant is exhausted, but I will happily wear what's here.

Florals

Alice [Milk and honey with rose, carnation and bergamot] - Soft florals, with the carnation a little more present than the rose. I'm always wary of milk or dairy notes, but the milk and honey here simply serve to mute the rose and carnation, both of which can go strongly green or spicy. I don't dislike this perfume, but as a person who doesn't much love these particular floral notes (I'm much more into white florals, especially tuberose and tiare), it's a little bit boring for me and I ended up destashing this one.
Juliet [Sweet pea with stargazer lily, calla lily, heliotrope, honeysuckle, white musk and a touch of fresh pear] - Disappointingly nondescript. Nonspecific white florals and a hint of pear sweetness. It's dainty and feminine but not memorable. For sweet pea, I'll get my fix with Mouse's Long and Sad Tale.
Lady Amalthea [A luminous white winter musk with lilac, wisteria, white chocolate, white mint, and tuberose] - When it first goes on, the different elements - the florals (I definitely get tuberose, and another floral that must be wisteria, which I'm unfamiliar with), the camphoric spearmint, the white chocolate, and the musk just barely brushing animalic - fight with each other, but it quickly dries down to a much more seamless whole, pretty winter florals over a comforting and Poesie-like white chocolate musky base layer.
Maiden [A gentle vision of purity, goodness and virtue: white tea, carnation and Damask Rose] - It's a lovely combination of rose and carnation, much like Alice, with a slight hint of the green stems but mostly the fragrant flowers (and without the sharp spiciness carnation can sometimes get). On application when it was extremely and uniformly floral, I thought that this perfume needed some vanilla or amber or sandalwood to give it dimension, but as it dried, the white tea emerged to do exactly that - it's not a bitter, astringent white tea, but more the feeling of steam rising from a pale tea in a china teacup. Still, I'm ambivalent at best about rose and carnation, so I destashed it.
Mouse's Long and Sad Tale [Vanilla, two ambers, sweet pea and white sandalwood] - This one is so pretty, delicately sweet and floral, and a staple of my spring perfumes! (Meanwhile, Husband says it smells like talc powder, acknowledging that I like exactly that kind of thing.) I don't get amber or sandalwood individually, but they lend the vanilla a mellowness and warmth. Several hours later, it lingers as a warm sandalwood-amber-vanilla. I love this one so much that I sought out a decant of Mouse's Long and Sad Pumpkin, which I'm saving to try this fall.
Pele [Muguet and Hawaiian white ginger enveloped by warm, damp tropical blooms] - So pretty! This is entirely a white floral perfume, tiare backed by tuberose (I think? A second white floral, definitely). If there's any ginger in there, I don't notice it. I adore tiare so I am entirely happy, though I can also acknowledge that this perfume lacks depth or complexity. I love this and other tropical white florals for summer.
Zorya Polunochnaya [Pale amber and ambergris, gossamer vanilla, moonflower, and white tobacco petals] - A crowd favorite, and I wanted to see what everyone was talking about! This has a sweet + salty, white amber + pink cotton candy effect. The slight tinge of butter and salt to this white amber (no doubt amplified by the ambergris) reminds me of the Alkemia white ambers, Luminae especially. I actually don't really get any florals from this one, which is a pity because I love the moonflower in Nui Cobalt Crown of Hekate [Moonflower and myrrh over shining white amber on a pillow of sheer vanilla] though I find the myrrh in that one quite overpowering. I had been hoping this would be a nice alternative. As Zorya P starts to dry, the tobacco starts to emerge and replaces the initial pink cotton candy effect. It's gentle as tobacco goes, but still more than I would prefer. All in all, it's been really fun to try this one since everyone's been talking about it - and it is indeed just as "gossamer" as the notes description says, though it has a really surprising longevity! But it's not ultimately going to find a place in my collection, since I have other, equally ethereal vanillas that I prefer, and I'm really not into tobacco.

Lavender

TKO [No official notes - people agree that it's lavender and marshmallow] - Yep, lavender and marshmallow. A particularly herbal, astringent lavender, which cuts beautifully through the sweet powderiness of the marshmallow. I'm also getting a sort of dusty background incense, which makes this scent remind me of Stereoplasm Lavender Scarab [Golden amber, English lavender, blackberry, incense], but with marshmallow instead of golden amber
A Place of Seeing [Pink rosebuds and lavender with amber-gilded sandalwood, vanilla bean, bergamot, and marshmallow] - It goes on with the same sleepy lavender as in TKO, made more detailed and complex with the addition of the gentle pink rose petals and the amber-sandalwood-vanilla base. It wafts around me a haze of femininity. As it dries, the marshmallow emerges too, and it becomes obvious that this is literally TKO with the addition of rose and those warm base notes. Very pretty!
The Air and the Ether [Gentle, almost imperceptible, permeating all things: pale amber vibrating with ambergris and a thread of lavender] - Lavender, one that sits midway between herbal and floral, and skin musk. It's an incredibly skin-hugging scent, but has excellent longevity.
On Wednesday, I Will Promise You a Phantom [A gust of luminous lavender, the spectral skin musk of a gently curving ghostly hand, a melodic twang of wisteria and ylang ylang, and a murmur of myrrh-touched vanilla husk] - Another "sleepy lavender" scent - I have several of these in my perfume collection and I love them all. This is a really ghostly, ethereal scent, wafting elusively around me. On Wednesday is primarily a lavender + vanilla scent, but with a bit of complexity. The lavender is the herbal sort, but it's so soft that it's not at all astringent, and the faintest hint of the other florals makes the lavender sometimes smell like the floral sort. Adding just a touch of myrrh was a really clever choice on their part - there's so little that it doesn't make it smell earthy or smoky, but it grounds it and gives it complexity and richness. It's really quite a lovely, ghostly scent.

Fruits

Drow Yoga Instructor [Wild plum, indigo lavender, and a tranquil tendril of sandalwood incense] - A dusty and purple scent with an absolutely gorgeous gentle incense note (I love sandalwood incense!) backed up by lavender flowers (sort of midway between floral and herbal), and a plum note that is intense fruity candy for about 2 seconds when applied, and then merely makes this scent truly purple. When I say "dusty", I actually mean it - after about half an hour, the sandalwood incense really does start to include an actual dust note. This is a stunning scent for yoga practice, or any day you want a gentle purple incense scent. It is the yoga perfume for me, gorgeous and meditative and containing possibly my favorite-ever incense note (sorry, NCD cathedral incense, I promise I love you too!). I don't wear this one as often as I'd like to because I also have other yoga perfumes and I like to rotate through them, but honestly this is my holy grail yoga scent. Even though it has low longevity on me; it'll last through a yoga class and then some, and that's really all I need from it. I'm seriously considering buying a full bottle, which (since I'm a person who full-sizes hardly anything) tells you something about how essential it is for my collection.
Painted Scars [Wild plum and white sandalwood with lavender bud, white musk, and blackberry wine] - I snapped up a half-ml decant of this as soon as I saw the notes, because it reminded me so much of both their Drow Yoga Instructor and also Stereoplasm Lavender Scarab [Golden amber, English lavender, blackberry, incense], both scents I really like. This is a much brighter, fruitier scent than Drow Yoga Instructor, the plum and blackberry combination going on as brash fruity candy (I don't love this stage). But it does dry down to a very calming scent, those dark fruits joined by a bit of grounding lavender and sandalwood. Unlike the two others I thought this would be similar to, Painted Scars noticeably lacks incense, but it definitely lives in their same family. I quite enjoy it (once it has dried down) but won't need to seek out more. I do wonder if layering this with Drow Yoga Instructor might improve the latter's longevity, which would be thrilling if it works.
Titania [A nocturnal bounty of fae dew-kissed petals and pale fruits: white grape, white peach, iced pear, musk rose, sweet pea, moonflower and snapdragon] - It goes on with a blast of fruits too sweet and fruit snack-like, mostly that white grape, but as it sits the florals suddenly emerge with a great whack of petals, and at this point I'm very puzzled because the particular combination of fruit and indistinct white florals reminds me a great deal of mint toothpaste. Another one that's a nice idea but doesn't really work for me on execution.

Greenery

Elf [Pale golden musk, honeycomb, amber, parma violet, hawthorne bark, aspen leaf, forest lily, life everlasting, white moss, and a hint of wild berry] - Wet on my skin, it's pine needles seen through a soft, gauzy veil - it's a strange but lovely effect, the pine needles muted by fruit and amber. Dry, the pine needles disappear entirely, and the perfume is an indistinct but really pretty mix of greenery, floral, berry-like fruit, and glowing golden amber. The overall effect is pretty muted, and by this I don't mean that it lacks throw, just that all of the elements are soft and gentle. It does feel undeniably elfin. I thought it would be a spring perfume but then never wore it the next spring, and when I tried it in early summer, it was much too tree-ish for me - but Husband loved it and happily took ownership.

Beeswax

The Lights of Men's Lives [The wax and smoke of millions upon millions of candles illuminating the walls of Death’s shadowy cave: some tall, straight, and strong, blazing with the fire of life, others dim and guttering] - I love beeswax notes and was excited to try a perfume that I'd read is the perfect epitome of a lit beeswax candle. It's a honeyed beeswax with an unmistakable candle-ness to it even though I don't smell any smoke. It's an extremely atmospheric scent and one that is very situational for me, not for daily wear. I especially love it for Good Friday.
The Little Owl [Tonka bean and vetiver with brown sandalwood, oak bark, almond, and beeswax] - Not going to lie; I was completely suckered in by the cuteness of the name and concept. This scent feels extremely Nui Cobalt-ish: woodsy but also cuddly, featuring honey + almond (like Silver Fox, Chionophilia, and so on) and also some earthier notes, and the beeswax is strong. This is absolutely going to be a fall perfume for me.

Miscellaneous

Baobhan Sith [Grapefruit, white tea, apple blossom and ginger] - I'm not really one for ginger-heavy scents, and somehow my skin always seems to amp ginger notes even if, as in this one, they're last on the list. (Isn't that always the way?) This one doesn't go on with too much ginger, but even just fifteen minutes later it becomes primarily ginger on me, backed with the astringency of acidic grapefruit citrus and white tea leaves. I really love apple blossom but I don't get much if any here; it's overwhelmed by the more assertive notes. Another half hour later, Baobhan Sith is actually nearly gone (or perhaps I just grow anosmic to it?). Meanwhile, at that stage, Husband tells me he can still smell it (so yeah, I've probably just gone anosmic), and that it reminds him of the lime oil in the furniture wax he uses - and he says he quite likes this perfume on me. Overall, it's a lovely idea, and I still think a white tea + apple blossom scent would be just fabulous but this is not it for me.
Bliss in the Pumpkin Patch [There's all manner of shenanigans in this year's pumpkin patch! Pumpkin'ized hybrids of GC BPAL scents abound! BLISS: A shot of pure, self-indulgent euphoria! A scent that is very, very wicked in its own way: the serotonin-slathered scent of pure milk chocolate.] - Oddly enough, I don't actually get milk chocolate; I get cinnamon and espresso over a creamy, foody pumpkin - all told, a bit too gourmand for me, but it was tremendous fun to try. (Less fun: the cocoa solids had separated from the oil, which also left unappealing chocolatey smears on my wrists that I later had to go wash off.)
Lust [Uncontrollable passion and insatiable sexual desire: red musk, patchouli, ylang ylang and myrrh] - This combination of red musk, patch, and myrrh smells to me a lot like dragon's blood. Husband says he likes this one but wouldn't wear it himself; meanwhile it's very very not for me and I didn't bother skin-testing it, red musk and patch being two of my death notes.
Vasilissa [Creamy skin musk and blushing pink musk with soft sandalwood, white amber, dutiful myrrh, and star jasmine] - My immediate response: "Ooh, pretty!" And even Husband graced it with a "yeah, that's nice." A dainty, feminine, slightly floral but mostly pink sandalwood scent with just enough resin and earthy myrrh underneath to ground it.

Personally...

I absolutely positively cannot do without Drow Yoga Instructor and Mouse's Sad and Long Tale. Other BPAL favorites include A Place of Seeing and Vasilissa, and probably also The Little Owl (we'll see how much I reach for it in autumn). I'm sad that most of the floral ones I tried don't really work for me. I can also commend BPAL for their pretty and often very clever approach to gauzy, lavender-forward scents.
Thank you to everyone who sold or gifted me these samples and decants!

Trading idea - Entry point > 2.4/61.80%
https://youtube.com/shorts/FblBhHkImKk
1) Find a FIBO slingshot
2) Check FIBO 61.80% level
3) Entry Point > 3.64/61.80%

Chart time frame : B
A) 15 min(1W-3M)
B) 1 hr(3M-6M)
C) 4 hr(6M-1year)
D) 1 day(1-3years)

Stock progress : B
A) Keep rising over 61.80% resistance
B) 61.80% resistance
C) Hit the bottom
D) Hit the top

Stocks rise as they rise from support and fall from resistance. Our goal is to find a low support point and enter. It can be referred to as buying at the pullback point. The pullback point can be found with a Fibonacci extension of 61.80%. This is a step to find entry level. 1) Find a triangle (Fibonacci Speed Fan Line) that connects the high (resistance) and low (support) points of the stock in progress, where it is continuously expressed as a Slingshot, 2) and create a Fibonacci extension level for the first rising wave from the start point of slingshot pattern.

When the current price goes over 61.80% level , that can be a good entry point, especially if the SMA 100 and 200 curves are gathered together at 61.80%, it is a very good entry point.

As a great help, tradingview provide these Fibonacci speed fan lines and extension levels with ease. So if you use the Fibonacci fan line, the extension level, and the SMA 100/200 curve well, you can find an entry point for the stock market. At least you have to enter at this low point to avoid trading failure, and if you are skilled at entering this low point, with fibonacci6180 technique, your reading skill to chart will be greatly improved.

If you want to do day trading, please set the time frame to 5 minutes or 15 minutes, and you will see many of the low point of rising stocks.
If want to prefer long term range trading, you can set the time frame to 1 hr or 1 day.

Opening, not totally necessary:
So, it’s been weighing heavily on my fiancé and I that we are likely never going to own our own home… they (X24) and myself (M25) make a combined income of about $75k after taxes, they have a Associates in general science and I have a few trade certifications under my belt (Automation in Robotics, and Architectural and Engineering Design) and we feel like we’re still just scraping by. We have no credit card payments, no car payments, and the only absolutely unnecessary bills that we have are our cats (which are necessary but technically an extra expense) and maybe the Spotify subscription we have. We live in Denver very unfortunately, so our rent for a 1 bedroom (which was cheaper than the studio for some reason) is about $2565 a month, and we’re having a hard time finding somewhere cheaper that will let us keep our cats and isn’t in a shitty area far from our jobs. My friend recently finished declaring bankruptcy, and he’s keeping both of his houses and both of his 2022 cars without having to pay anything more on them. I’m aware that it ravages your credit score for like 10 years, but if I had a house and a newer car anyways… then my expenses would largely be limited to taxes of the property and insurance right? One of his houses he had only been paying on for 6 months, and he gets to keep it without having to pay anything but taxes for it now. So, my question is… would it be crazy to get approved to mortgage a nicer house somewhere where we actually want to live, maybe a car or two and then declare bankruptcy after like 8 months? From what it sounds like, they don’t take any essential assets, so could I do it and be fine? I don’t really lease anything or plan on leasing anything ever, especially if I own my home and my cars. It wouldn’t totally be fraud as I would pay it as long as I could, but like, when it inevitably falls through, could I just declare bankruptcy and keep it? Any advice is appreciated, not really looking to be called names or whatever because I’m aware it’s a radical idea, just a thought is all.
TLDR: could I mortgage a house, lease two cars and then declare bankruptcy and keep the assets after paying for about 8 months?

I am transgressing into heresy, I know.
I’m an AD Marine and love my peltors, but they crush my skull under issued ECH.
I like the ECH every other way, and hear it has the best protection of really any helmet. So what if I could, like, keep that protection, but ditch the ears and not pay like 2 grand? What if I were to get my own surplus one for like 400, then send it to the ebay dude who does the cut modifications. His look clean and squared away. Just cut the ears and I’m good to go. ECH isn’t kevlar either, so I don’t think cutting should cause any delamination.
Just trying to bounce some ideas of the interwebs and get feedback, totally fine with dropping the idea if it’s bad to go.
I’ve been looking into the Highcom ACHHC. Old and not as good as the ECH, but at least it’s cut to begin with.

Hey Swap! Celebrating another Monday in the books with a bunch of beauties up for grabs.
Timestamps
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Spartan Harsey SHF (Warthog) - Full size Spartan Harsey SHF in the stunning discontinued DLT Warthog special edition. 3.95” S45VN blade. Etched and ano’d warthog titanium framelock. 8.9” overall length. Bought from original owner as never cut, never carried. I have not cut or carried. Action is smooth, reverse flickable. Comes with box. SV: $450
Jonas Iglesias Knives Fuse - M390 belt satin blade. Titanium framelock on skiff bearings. Modded by the one and only Cap City Creations with silk bark finish on frame and pocket clip, speed holes with satin chamfers and milled "bolster" lines on show scale. A one of a kind beauty. Bought from original owner as never cut, never carried, and I haven't either. Comes with pouch, box, sticker. SV: $425
Chaves 229 Redencion "Lee Williams Kickstop" PVD - This knife is a sold out eknives exclusive Chaves 229 Redencion with the Lee Williams kickstop disappearing flipper tab. 3.6" PVD drop point blade. PVD titanium handles. Framelock. 8.2" overall length. Bright orange peel finished clip. Reate production. Bought as LNIB from original owner and I haven't cut or carried. No blemishes of note to my eye. Satisfying snappy action and unique closing action sounds with the kickstop flipper mechanism. Comes with box and normal clip. SV: $375
ProTech Mordax - Designed by Ferrum Forge. All black version from Drop. 3.5" CPM20CV drop point blade with a sexy BGM hollow regrind. Black aluminum handles. Button lock. 8.25" overall length. Bought from original owner as never cut, never carried, and I haven't either. Comes with box and dust bag. SV: $300
WingmanEDC / Tom Mayo MTNT Mach 3 - Designed by Tom Mayo based on the classic TNT. 2.875" M390 drop point blade. Stonewashed titanium handles with speed holes. Framelock. 6.625" overall length. Running on ceramic bearings. Excellent action with front flip or reverse flick. Original owner reported to never cut, never carry, and I haven't either. Comes with dog tag COA, pivot tool, pouch, box. SV: $275
Mcusta Tactility - 3.75” nickel damascus VG10 blade. Contoured black micarta handles. 8.25” overall length. Bought as never cut, never carried, and I haven’t either. Comes with box. SV: $150
Civivi Conspirator - This knife started out as a Civivi Conspirator with cuibourtia wood scales and I swapped the blade with a damascus version, creating the ultimate Conspirator IMO. 3.48" damascus drop point blade. Cuibourtia wood scales. Button lock. 8.11" overall length. Bought as never cut, never carried, and I haven’t either. Comes with pouch, box, sticker. SV: $110
Inkosi Clone (large) - Green Thorn clone of large CRK Inkosi. 3.5" VG10 blade. Titanium framelock. 8.3" overall length. Original owner. Never cut, never carried. I 3M'd the scales to a satin-ish finish, giving it some more visual depth. I also removed the ano from the tips of the studs. The build quality and action are frighteningly good compared to my actual CRKs. Comes with pouch. SV: $75
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Prefer to sell but will consider trades.
*Trade Interests*: SOC JCape V4 (satin), TW Price Dawn V2, CKF Justice, CKF FIF20 (full ti), CKF Gnome, Reate Starboy, Tashi Bharucha Krypton (large), Bradley Marais Vector (full ti harpoon tanto), Laconico Revel, Holt Specter, SBD Evo Typhoon (embossed or aspirated Ti), Arcane Design Anti-Matter, Rob Carter fullsize BBM. Open to others. Prefer LNIB or very close to it.
Payment via Paypal FF, Venmo, or Zelle
Please comment on the post before sending chat/PM. If I don't reply to your chat please resend via PM, my chat has been a bit weird lately.
Yolo >
Thanks!

~Escape The Night~ PvE w/PvP ZonesWIPED3PPHelisAI-BossesRaidingBBP100kNoobsKeycardsAirdropBunkersParty-SystemTraderBlackmarketBankingDrugsBedRespawnSpawnSelectVehicles+Guns+Loot+
IP: 51.81.221.168:7915
Join Our Discord https://discord.gg/2EQPEZ8
Server Restart Intervals Are At 5:40AM PST - 11:40AM PST - 5:40PM PST 11:40PM PST
BASE BUILDING: AT THE MOMENT TRADERS DO NOT SELL NAILS/FOOD/ARMOR, for a more survival feel we made base building a little more grindy than other servers for a better experience (MOD: BASE BUILDING PLUS), THERE IS NO BUIDLING NEAR PVP ZONES, HIDEOUTS, OR TRADERS (500m from Hideouts/Traders, 300m from PVP zones). Get your grind on and have fun with more of an immersive pvp building system. We have BasicTerritories/PVEZE Flag Zones. You need a flagpole to make a base & you need a flag fully raised on your pole to enable PvP. Since we use PVEZ the flags help in case you need to defend against a raid. The flag also helps keep all your items secure from poofing away. Sadly bases can be raided even with your flag pole lowered. So it’s recommended that you keep your flag pole raised.
ALL BASES HAVE A LIMITED AMOUNT OF VEHICLES THEY CAN POSSESS! Each base can have a max of 3 Land Vehicles & 2 Helicopters (This Is To Help Prevent Lag)
PVP ZONES/PVE: All PVP Zones contain either a military spot on the map, or Custom Keycard areas, Custom Key Cards spawn randomly around the map or in airdrops/military bases/bunkers.THERE IS ABSOULETLY NO KILLING OUTSIDE PVP ZONES, what ever damage you afflict on another Survior, that damage will come back to you, this a noob/pve setting of a server so show some respect.
KEYCARDS: There many different keycards you can get but they all are different. Some have different loot, some have mixed loot. Rare keycard rooms give 10x better loot than normal military/bm loot. There Is 2 Red/Black/Violet/Green Rooms. 1 Yellow/Blue/Med Lab/White Rooms.
Right Now The Keycards Ranging From Best To Worst Are Red, Black, Yellow, White, Violet, Green, Blue, Med Laboratory. There will probably be more in the future. Red Keycard Loaded but is suuuper rare.
(NOTE: Right now please don't fly into keycard areas. We recently added helis again and some areas are possible to fly into (AI will probably shoot them down but still we want keycards to be used to access keycard areas. ALSO When you open a keycard room it will stay open until server restart because the loot crates wont reset until after restart)
THE BUNKER: Right now there is currently 1 bunker on the server. You need a White Keycard to enter it & when you enter it turns to total darkness. You'll need a light or nvgs too see anything after entering. This place is worth checking out but be careful of possible chances of Zombies/AI. The bunker is really nice for finding blackmarket items and chances decent/guns/armoammo.
TRAVEL TRADER: We recently added a trader that can change locations and also change what they Buy/Sell! The Travel Trader Can Spawn At Any Keycard Locations (Based On When I Move Them) & Trades Rare Items Other Traders Might Not Sell Or Might Buy/Sell At A Discount!
TRADERS: Traders are all around the map and they only sell certain items there. Very high powered weapons cannot be bought a civ traders, they will most likely be purchasable at Blackmarket or not purchasable at all, you will need to scavenge your way around the map if you want to be the best, there are no handouts. Normal Civ Traders will have the essentials there to survive.
AI/BOSSES: AI spawn at all keycards/hideouts except Blue/Green Keycards. They have a chance to spawn anywhere else. There are 3 Bosses on the server. Killa, Zryachiy, the Goons. Killa spawns at Red/Black/Yellow Keycards. Zryachiy spawns at Prison Island. The Goons can spawn at Red/Black/White/Med Lab. The Goons are the rarest Bosses to run into right now while Killa and Zryachiy are about the same. Killa and Zryachiy can have guards.

Welcome back to The Face! The top 7 models stand at the ready in their first Korean panel. The judges, Ann, Atoosa, and Twiggy, stand before them. One with smiles, one with a bored expression, and well, one of them is Atoosa.
"Hey ladies! Did you miss me?" The models all applaud and cheer. "I missed you too! But I was here setting up our two photoshoots and preparing for your go-sees for fashion week. Are you excited?" They cheer again. "Good! But for one of you, your journey ends tonight."
Twiggy forces a smile, "You certainly know your prizes. The winner of The Face will receive: an international modelling contract with IMG Models AND Next Model Management, a one million dollar contract with MAC cosmetics, and you will become The Face of a brand of your choice! You will also be The Face of Ann's brand Seventeen Again! Finally, you will receive a cover and spread in The Face magazine as well as a cash prize of $500,000!"
The pessimistic judge checks her nails before rolling her eyes. Atoosa speaks, "You had three teams this week going head to head and then... Isabeli. We hope you like your partner work, but only one pair rose above the rest for immunity?"
The numbers begin to run on the screen.
>!Team 3!< is the first to fall as the two models hang their head in shame.
It's down between two teams.
The numbers roll....
And roll....
Then...
They.....
Stop.
"Team 1!" Atoosa announces as the two models cheer. "You are immune this week, but did you need that immunity?"
Ann reveals the first photo, "Audrey, you finally rose to the top. Everyone knows that this week was your week. Your photo is absolutely gorgeous and you were a full point ahead from the model behind you. Congratulations, you get to have the final brief choice of the cycle. Choose wisely."
The model beams from ear to ear as she takes her photo with quiet thanks.
Twiggy reveals the second photo then, "Joan, come join your teammate. You chose well, but you will be split up from your teammate next week in a final head to head battle. You have fans, so keep your momentum."
Atoosa hands the third model her photo, "Jessica, this is gorgeous. Some people brought back the AI critique from your past, so just be careful. I don't see it, but someone brought it up again. Though, I'm really starting to think that's just what you look like."
It's Ann's turn again to share a photo, "Right in the middle, Rebecca! You've proven you can rise to the top before, so bring back that fire next week. Just don't bring back... Diaper couture? Man, people were weird this week. Congratulations, you are in for another round of The Face."
Three models remain, and only one can escape the bottom 2.
Twiggy shares the photo, "Breathe, Isabeli. Your photo didn't have people thinking of airplane bathrooms and this was a breath of fresh air. It's time to step it up these last few weeks if you want to be the next Face. You have a lot of powerhouses to conquer, but everyone loves an underdog."
Atoosa approaches the bottom 2 with a giddy smile on her face. She loves this part. "Hey ladies," she mocks Ann. "For both of you, your photos stood out... But not in the best way."
She faces the first model, "Daiane, this was polarizing. You have the pleats, you have the color, but people feel like they've seen this before over and over from you. We know you're gorgeous, but what else can you bring? This is your fourth visit to the bottom 2. Next week, bring the editorial energy and versatility."
Then, she faces the next model, "Nadja, our comeback queen. Someone predicted as a winner. But this photo? This isn't a winner's photo. Someone called this granny couture. It felt detached from your inspiration. We know you can rise to the occasion, and we know you can deliver. But this? It fell flat."
"So who stays?"
She reveals the final photo.
"Daiane, it's time to model like you've never modeled before. You, like Isabeli, have the underdog story and you have supporters. Prove that you earned your place here and show us you're strength. Congratulations."
The model breathes out a sigh of relief before hugging the eliminated model tight and taking her photo. Ann cuts Atoosa off from a tirade before walking forward to hug the eliminee tight.
"Nadja, what happened? This was not your best. You had some people that liked it, but when numbers are this tight? You need those people to love it to save you. I hope we see you again in the future, but for now, this is goodbye."
The model sniffles and dries her tears before going to say goodbye to the other models. She and her roommate share a long hug as she whispers for her to win.
Then as she walks out she calls, "I may be out, but none of you will ever live up to me. I am a legend! Good luck, ladies!"

Keep cut trade

Cut the Cord and Keep it Legal!